Rays Earn Point But Fall to Florida 2-1 in OT Friday

Dec 18, 2015

12/18/2015 8:10 PM -

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.-Nick Jones scored a late third period goal to earn the South Carolina Stingrays a point in the standings, but Kevin Lynch's overtime goal gave the Florida Everblades a 2-1 victory over the Stingrays on Friday night at the North Charleston Coliseum. Florida improved to 5-0 in overtime or shootout situations, and topped the Stingrays in the first game of a two-game set this weekend.

A defensive struggle and excellent goaltending from both teams saw the Everblades take a 1-0 lead in the game's third period of play. It took until the 12:55 mark of the third period for the Stingrays to finally be able to solve Florida goaltender Anthony Peters, but Jones finally had the answer, scoring his third goal of the season, and second goal in as many games. A mad scramble in front of Peter's net saw the goaltender stop two Stingrays shots. The puck popped loose back the the slot, the Joe Devin slid a pass across to Jones on the left wing. With the whole side of the net open, Jones converted to tie the game, 1-1. Colin Mulvey also assisted.

The teams traded chances in the final minutes of regulation to no avail prior to overtime. In the extra session, each team was cautious to not make a mistake, but the Everblades were the first to find a man left open. At 3:35, Lynch got lost in coverage and found himself open in front of the net. Florida captain Matt Marquardt centered the puck to Lynch. He maneuvered around Stingrays goaltender Mark Dekanich to score the game-winning tally.

Marquardt also opened the scoring with the lone goal of the first period. His wrist shot from the right wing beat Dekanich short side to open the scoring at 11:43 to make it 1-0 Florida.

The Stingrays outshot the Everblades 32-27 in the loss. Both teams failed to convert on the power play as South Carolina was 0-for-4, and Florida was 0-for-3.

Fyten and the Stingrays host the Florida Everblades again tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. The first 500 fans tomorrow get a Stingrays Star Wars poster! Santa Claus will also be in attendance at both games this weekend to spread holiday cheer. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster or through the North Charleston Coliseum Box Office.

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